Mother wonders why son's girlfriend stays away
Yes, diet-preaching sounds both boring and annoying. But what sort of ultimatum would your husband like to deliver?: "If you don't stop going on about your plant-based lifestyle, my wife and I will be forced to stop accepting your hospitality during our vacations?"
You say you have been direct with these friends. I suggest that you research some alternative housing for your next visit, in order to relieve yourselves of a portion of these plant-loving lectures. You might try to convey: "We realize that this is like a religion to you, and we're genuinely happy for you, but can we try to adopt a 'no religion, no politics' rule during our visits?
And then, yes, if this couple has become so repetitive that you no longer want to spend time with them, then you will naturally back away from the relationship, because your memory-building encounters have dwindled down to one-sided listening sessions.
Dear Amy: "Searching" asked if there is a "normal" grieving period and if his ex-wife should move in with him to provide needed care.
There is no "proper" way to grieve, but when my wife of 40 years died, someone gave me very valuable advice: make no major decisions for at least one year.
-- Widower
Dear Widower: "Searching" seemed to be hurrying through this process, as I said in my response.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
